This pattern introduces a new line of patterns for Wearing History called Archive Couture.

Archive Couture patterns are an exercise for one’s skills, and an adventure into understanding sewing from antique patterns. Please read more details about this pattern below.

- - WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THIS PATTERN - -

A clean, computer drawn pattern of the basic pattern shapes needed to create the garment illustrated.

This pattern has been multi-sized, as it was originally only available in one size.

Original two paragraphs of pattern description and translation from French to English.

Tips of watch points for this specific pattern during construction and fitting.

Written tips of making a mock up and using a Pre-1910s pattern

Period instruction for sewing a pointed placket.

Unaltered period pattern shape and fit. These pattern shapes retain historical accuracy, however, fit may need to be adjusted in the mock up phase.

Nine pages of information are supplied to help with using this pattern from period source material, however, there are no step by step or illustrated instructions. Archive Couture patterns are an exercise for one’s skills, and an adventure into understanding sewing from antique patterns

- - What Is NOT Included With This Pattern - -

As per the "About Archive Couture Patterns" paragraph below, what is not included is standard of patterns of this age.

NO SEAM OR HEM ALLOWANCE- The sewer may add them at their preferred seam allowance width.

DOES NOT INCLUDE pieces to make the bodice trimming & facings. The dressmaker will need to supplement these by using the pieces included and the original pattern illustration for a guide, as our Victorian sisters would have done. No pieces are included for the gaiters, tie, or rounded collar, as these were not originally included with this pattern.

NO yardage requirements or cutting layouts

NO step by step sewing instructions or illustrations. You must be familiar with how to put a garment together using pattern shapes and garment illustration.

NO finishing techniques

- - About Archive Couture Patterns - -

Archive Couture patterns are of Advanced Difficulty and recommended for those who are familiar with putting patterns together with little to no instruction, and who are familiar with pattern alterations for fit. These patterns are have been taken from original historical source materials. These sources may include diagrams, overlapping patterns in magazine issues, early tissue paper patterns, or other period source material. The source material was used by experienced home sewists, dressmakers, or tailors of the period from which they are derived. These patterns were only available only in single sizes, with details such as grain lines or buttonholes most often unmarked. Wearing History has clarified markings (where given) and supplied tips for working with these historical patterns. You may choose to have a modern or period sewing book on hand to help with construction and fitting. Archive Couture patterns follow the period shapes of the original period source material, maintaining the historical accuracy and fit of the completed garment. Fitting a muslin mockup is strongly recommended, as all garments were meant to be worn over period foundation garments or corsetry. Fit and proportion of these patterns are different than modern costume patterns and may require alteration to fit your modern body, even when wearing period style foundations. Several mock ups may be required to achieve ideal fit. We believe these patterns should not be lost to time or languish in historical archives, but be made available for historical sewing enthusiasts of today.

I have made a video to help you with placket construction. The instruction pages from the original book this technique was based on are included in your pattern.

- About the E-Pattern Version -

YOU WILL NEED ADOBE READER, A FREE PDF READER PROGRAM, IN ORDER TO OPEN AND PRINT THIS PATTERN.

This pattern is tiled into letter sized paper. You will print these documents on your home printer, cut, and tape them together, to form a larger pattern layout. Then you cut and use your pattern just as you would a normal home sewing pattern. This pattern file is formatted to fit on both A4 and 8.5" x 11" sizes of paper, and there will be varying thicknesses of white border, which will be cut off, according to pattern instructions. You will need to print this pattern to 100% scale. Open the "READ-ME-FIRST" File for instructions on printing and piecing your pattern.

File Type: PDF

Printing Format: Both USA 8.5" x 11" and A4 paper.

Amount of Paper Required: 95 total pages total are required to print all pieces.

Includes 49 pages for bloomer pattern sheet, 35 for jacket pattern sheet, 10 for instructions and cover, 1 for "how to use" sheet. The original diagram for the bloomers is included if you would rather enlarge it yourself rather than trace out our already enlarged and graded bloomer trouser piece.

The download will be done through my website. You will recieve a unique link to your download.

You will be able to download this pattern after your order is marked as "Completed".

If ordering with mailed product, purchased with an unconfirmed Paypal address, or purchased with a credit card, there may be a slight delay, as I will need to manually approve the transaction before the system marks it as "completed".

By purchasing this pattern you agree to the following terms: This e-pattern is licensed exclusively to the person who purchases this pattern from Wearing History for the sole purpose of home sewing or non-profit use. Commercial or production use is prohibited. Do not share this pattern by email or any other form. Remember, I make my living by using my talents to make these patterns. Help support indie small business by telling your friends to purchase their own copy of this pattern from http://wearinghistory.clothing

1897 Bicycle Bodice & Bloomers

Posted by Rozalia Ghebhardt on Jul 5th 2018

I have purchased this e-pattern to make my costume for a cycling event held in Melbourne.
I only had 3 weeks time to finish it but I had no sewing pattern to start with. So I decided, it might be an easy way to just download the pattern and also save shipping costs to Australia.
I downloaded the file after reading the instructions, which was very easy and clear to understand. After that I have used a roller cutter to get the sheets of paper as straight as possible. After I taped the paper sheets according to the numbers, I ended up with two large pattern sheets. One for the bloomers and one for the bodice. Everything looked good, all the lines were connected with each other as it supposed to.
That was the moment when I realized that the back pattern was marked as "front". It did not take me long to understand that it was a misprint. However , it can be confusing for a beginner. A second confusion cased the second set of knee band and plackets which were printed on the bodice pattern sheet as well as on the bloomers pattern sheet. I first thought that I might need plackets for the sleeves which was not the case.
I eventually cut out all the pattern pieces and started with the first mock-up. The bloomers fitted me perfectly without any changes. The video tutorial on how to sew in the placket helped me a great deal. Thank you for that. I finished the placket wit three buttons in total instead of one, which looked very nice.
For the bodice I had to make two mock-ups in total to get the perfect result that I wanted. I had to lengthen the torso and take in the sides and the darts. Most changes I have done on the paper before cutting . The sleeves fitted me perfectly. The collar did not fit my neck, I had to slightly change the shape of it.
As trimming , I have added a second row of buttons in the center front. All edges are piped with a contrast color. Sleeves, peplum and front darts are trimmed as well with the same contrast color as the piping. I have used a light weight wool fabric for this costume as well as for the piping and trimming. I have lined the bodice with a light cotton fabric. The bloomers are not lined.